NEW ZEALAND PORTS AND CITIES
NEW ZEALAND PORTS AND CITIES
| Akaroa | Auckland | Bay of Islands | Christchurch |
| Dunedin | Gisborne | Napier | Tauranga |
| Wellington |
Akaroa
Cruise to Historic Akaroa perched on the Edge of an Ancient Volcano – New Zealand
Cruise to eighty-five kilometers southeast of Christchurch, Akaroa's foreshore is lined with European-style cafes, restaurants, galleries and boutiques. One of the first settlements in the Canterbury region, the town has a rich Maori, French and British heritage visible on display at the Akaroa and Okains Bay Museum which incorporates some of Canterbury's oldest buildings. Take a cruise on the bay to see rare Hector's dolphins, yellow-eyed penguins and a colony of cute but smelly New Zealand fur seals. On shore, walking is a popular pastime, as is horseback trekking, four-wheel bike riding and mountain biking.
Auckland
Cruise to Auckland, "sea of sparkling waters" - New Zealand
Cruise to New Zealand's cosmopolitan largest city built over seven volcanoes and around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city.
Bay of Islands
Cruise the Bay of Islands, Glorious North - New Zealand
Cruise this glorious part of New Zealand's far north which offers broad skies, tranquil bays and numerous aquatic and cultural activities. On shore, a highlight is the nightly cultural show in the grounds of Waitangi Treaty House. The Bay of Islands has been a centre of Maori culture for centuries, with whalers, missionaries and early settlers also leaving their stamp. The Russell Museum details the development of the region's hub, Russell-Kororareka, from a tiny Maori fishing village to a busy tourist town and port of call. It houses a one-fifth scale model of Captain Cook's Endeavour, Maori artefacts including a small waka (traditional canoe), game-fishing mementoes, temporary exhibitions and a shop selling interesting gifts, souvenirs and books.
Christchurch
Cruise to Charming Christchurch (Lyttelton), with That English Feel - New Zealand
As you cruise in to Lyttelton, there's a chance that its narrow harbour may remind you of a Scottish Lock. From here, head straight into Christchurch, a city blessed with a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, beautiful parks and gardens and a great selection of shops. The city's tram system links all the major attractions of the Cultural Precinct where must-sees include Christchurch Cathedral, the botanic gardens, the Arts Centre and Art Gallery.
Dunedin
Cruise to Dunedin (Port Chalmers) and Uncover this "Kiwi" City's Scottish Roots - New Zealand
Cruise to Dunedin the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Uncover this "kiwi" city's Scottish heritage roots as you meander its octagon-shaped streets and quaint Victorian buildings. This Flemish Renaissance-style Dunedin rail station is immense and features a grandiose style that will inspire you.
Gisborne
Cruise to Gisborne, the City of Rivers - New Zealand
Cruise to Gisborne the hub of an isolated region in the north-east of New Zealand's North Island, sustaining three quarters of the region's population of 46,000 – many of them Maori. Gisborne was named after the crew member who first spotted it from James Cook's Endeavour. A memorial to Cook marks the point where he stepped ashore in 1769. Sometimes known as the City of Rivers, Gisborne sits in the confluence of three waterways at the north end of Poverty Bay, overlooked by white cliffs. A popular leisure spot, it is built around a harbour dotted with fishing vessels and ships loading logs for export.
Napier
Cruise to Napier, One of the Most Photographed Destinations in New Zealand
Cruise to Napier (Ahuriri, in Māori), northeast of Wellington, the hub of a fertile region, funnelling fine crossbred wool, timber, fruit and fine wines through its busy port. It is one of the most photographed destinations in New Zealand thanks to a statue on Marine Parade - Pania of the Reef. The township also boasts the widest range of authentic 1930s building styles in the world; stripped classical, Spanish mission, and in particular, art deco, Napier's unique version of it featuring intricate Maori motifs. Napier is the gateway to New Zealand's Hawkes Bay winery region. The gannet colony at nearby Cape Kidnappers is another memorable local attraction.
Tauranga
Cruise to Tauranga, the Hot Gateway to Rotorua - New Zealand
Cruise the "Bay of Plenty" named by Captain Cook after the prosperous Maori villages of the region generously replenished his supplies. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber centre and a popular seaside resort. A cruise to Tauranga will allow access to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture and New Zealand's primary tourist attraction. Tauranga, meaning "sheltered waters" in Maori, is rich with native culture and tradition. Waterskiing, windsurfing and deep-sea fishing abound in Tauranga Harbour. Rotorua with its healing, natural mineral springs is an ideal place to unwind in a therapeutic bath. Explore the bubbling mud pools of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, spectacular geysers, and sulfur-ringed steaming ponds of this thermal wonder. Te Puke is the heart of kiwi country, this region produces a quarter of New Zealand's total fruit crop with acres of citrus and other sub-tropical fruit plantations.
Wellington
Cruise to Wellington, New Zealand's Stunningly located Capital
From the top of Mt. Victoria, New Zealand's capital lies at your feet. It is a stunning vista of forested peninsulas, with a bustling waterfront, dramatic cliff-side homes and fine Victorian architecture. Despite its steep hills, the city can easily be explored on foot. Cruise to Wellington home to many museums, gardens, winding streets and even a cable car. Many travellers compare it to San Francisco. The Parliament House and the General Assembly stand in stark contrast to the modern Executive Wing, known locally as the "Beehive." Known as Te Papa or "our place" in Maori, the museum is dedicated to New Zealand's past, present and future. Old St. Paul's Cathedral has Neo-Gothic style which blends with colonial times and native hardwoods in this Victorian cathedral built in 1866.
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